This Sunday Star-Times article asks an important question: are we building the right homes in the right places, with the infrastructure needed to support them?
It examines the growing debate around the Government’s fast-track pathway and the decisions being made by Minister Chris Bishop.
The story features Waimauku Community Association Co-chair Tatjana Ratsdorf alongside community leaders, residents and elected representatives from across New Zealand who are raising concerns about growth occurring ahead of infrastructure and local planning.
“We are calling on the government to pause existing greenfield housing fast-track applications and are asking all political parties to support legislation to remove residential development in rural areas from the Fast-Track Approvals Act 2024,” that’s the message from Mayor Wayne Brown and other mayors around the country.
For a long time, concerns about fast-track developments were written off as local opposition. Now, it’s clear these concerns are being shared nationwide by communities, councils and elected representatives.
A timely and balanced look at a debate that’s quickly become a national conversation.